Guatemala - July 23, 2025 Maya Forest, Guatemala – As temperatures rise in northern Guatemala, two major parks—Laguna del Tigre and Mirador-Río Azul National Parks—are facing severe water shortages. To help wildlife survive the drought, conservation teams have installed artificial waterholes at strategic points. These man-made pools are built to endure extreme conditions and are placed where animals are most at risk. Camera traps have recorded animals including tapirs, jaguars, pumas, deer, margays, and snakes using the waterholes. These rare images offer insight into how animals respond to water stress. “During the dry season, many natural watering holes dry up completely,” said Rony García-Anleu of WCS Guatemala. “This significantly reduces the chances of survival for many species.” Surprisingly, the artificial pools are also used during the rainy season, suggesting that water shortages persist year-round in some areas. For some animals, the new waterholes are becoming part of their regular habitat. In Mirador-Río Azul National Park and the Naachtun-Dos Lagunas Biotope, the effort is led by FUNDAECO, CONAP, and CECON-USAC. In Laguna del Tigre, WCS is leading the project with support from WWF. “Artificial watering holes are not a permanent solution,” said García-Anleu, “but they are a vital tool in helping wildlife adapt to increasingly unpredictable environmental conditions.”